EXPERT COLUMN Signal savvy
When factory overhead crane operations use signallers, proper training is vital. James Headley, founder and CEO of Crane Institute of America (CIA) and Crane Institute Certification (CIC) investigates.
S
ignalpersons aren’t often used in the operation of rail-mounted overhead cranes that work in factories, mills and
other industrial plants. That’s because most rail- mounted overhead cranes in those applications are operated from the floor using either a wired or wireless remote control. Since the crane operator can be near the load and can move to different vantage points during a lift, he or she can usually see the load, its travel path and any obstacles quite clearly. But sometimes the operator is located in a cab
mounted up on the crane or is on the ground but unable to see the lift from start to finish because of the building’s structure or the need to handle a load behind an obstacle – for example, a piece of machinery.
It is in times like this that it is absolutely essential to have a properly trained signalperson on the job.
Signalperson directs crane operation When a signalperson is part of a lift, he or she is almost as important as the crane operator.
Although the crane operator pulls and pushes the controls that make the crane and load move, the signal person tells the operator where to move them and at what speed. That means the signalperson is, in effect, running the crane. OSHA considers the signalperson’s instructions so important that the agency requires a crane operator to follow them unless he doesn’t understand what he’s being asked to do.
Signaller must be qualified
Although a signalperson typically does some other job – for example, rigging – most of the time, signalling is so important that OSHA requires a person to be trained and qualified before they do it.
Because of that, Crane Institute of America (CIA) includes signalperson training as part of its rigging-training courses. To meet OSHA’s definition of being qualified
to signal, a person must thoroughly understand the basic hand/voice signals used with overhead cranes, as well as how to use them.
Beyond that, a qualified signalperson must also have a basic understanding of how an overhead crane works, its limitations and the dynamics of lifting, moving and stopping loads. That vital knowledge keeps the signalperson from directing the operator to do something beyond the crane’s capability. In addition, a qualified signalperson must be
able to identify and avoid site hazards like structural obstacles, machinery and power conductors. They must also be able to analyse the crane’s and load’s travel paths to make sure the load will not be above people and that no one will be struck by any part of the crane. OSHA holds the employer responsible for making sure a signalperson is qualified.
Training and evaluation required To meet OSHA’s definition of “qualified”, a signalperson must learn the things mentioned above and also pass assessment by a competent evaluator, as defined in OSHA standard 1910.179. A potential signaller can learn the necessary knowledge and skills in many ways. An employer
The operator and signaller must identify and confirm the signals to be used before beginning a lifting operation. 60 Fall 2025 |
ochmagazine.com
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